Our outreach efforts include the Cornerstone Kids after school program, Missions to the Dominican Republic, Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE), work with Metropolitan Ministries, Renewal Ministries, Union of Black Episcopalians, and the Lincoln-Douglass Ball.

Cornerstone Kids, Inc.

Cornerstone Ministries is a non-profit Outreach Ministry of St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church that has been in existence for over 25 years. The mission is to reach at-risk inner city children and assist in their educational, spiritual, and emotional development in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. Cornerstone Kids, Inc., offers a comprehensive after-school program Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. in which 35-40 children of Tampa Heights ages 5-11 years old, receive homework assistance, tutoring, computer training, math, reading comprehension, arts and crafts, recreational/enrichment activities and field trips During the summer Cornerstone Ministries offers a six-week Summer Enrichment Program that provides field trips, arts & crafts, etiquette workshops, computer training, enrichment activities and organized indoor/outdoor games.

Cornerstone Kids, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, has a fourteen-member board of directors that assists with fund-raising responsibilities and programs. Funding is received through corporate and foundation grants, fund-raising, churches and private donors.

The Lincoln-Douglass BallThe Lincoln-Douglass Ball originated in Tampa’s black community during Jim Crow segregation and celebrated the relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Now held in February each year, St. James House of Prayer continues the tradition in its annual ball that has become a symbol of racial unity, interfaith community and intercultural acceptance. 100% of the proceeds from the Lincoln-Douglass Ball goes to support Cornerstone Kids, Inc.

Taste of the Islands

Taste of the Islands is an annual event of fellowship, fun, and fabulous Caribbean food and music bringing together Tampa’s Afro-Caribbean community with church members and friends of all cultural backgrounds.

Dominican Republic MissionsThis is a ministry of the Diocese of Southwest Florida and began in 1997 in conjunction with the companion diocese in the Dominican Republic. The Tampa Deanery, of which St. James House of Prayer is a part, sends teams of 12-15 members from congregations in its deanery each summer to work on specific projects designated by Bishop Holguin of the Dominican Republic. Team members raise their own funds to cover the cost of transportation, lodging and building supplies. St. James House of Prayer has participated in this mission since its inception. Work teams have done a variety of major projects which have assisted in the continued growth and development of the Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic.

Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE)HOPE is a multi-racial, interfaith, interdenominational social justice organization composed of 25 churches and other groups. It is committed to winning a greater degree of justice in Hillsborough County through the power of a united voice. HOPE’s primary mission is to empower communities of faith to identify problems that affect their communities and effectively encourage public officials to take action to resolve those problems. St. James House of Prayer was one of the founding member-congregations of HOPE and its present Executive Director is a member of St. James House of Prayer.

Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) The John E. Culmer Southwest ChapterMembers participate in the Union of Black Episcopalians which helps to fight racism within the Episcopal Church. Most notably, in our diocese, UBE hosts the annual weekend observances and worship services in celebration of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. They also participate in and support social justice ministries such as the SHARE food program.

CursilloCursillo is a movement of the church. It's purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. This leadership may be exercised in the workplace, in the family, in social situations and within the church. Leadership in Cursillo does not mean power over others, but Christian influence on our environment.

The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church: to bring all to Christ. This is done when informed trained leaders set out with the support of others having a similar commitment.Cursillo helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. It provides an important learning experience which enables many to feel revived with Christian purpose and support. Cursillo consists of the three day weekend, the Fourth Day and Ultreyas.

The Fourth Day takes place four weeks after your weekend and is the starting point of the rest of your life. It serves as a springboard to help with the long term practice of living out the Baptismal Covenant.

Ultreya is an ongoing, follow-up gathering for people who have made their three day Cursillo. It ties them to a Christian community that provides support for the journey to live Christ-Centered lives.

One-third of our congregation has attended a Cursillo weekend. At least 5 reunion groups meet weekly. Some of our Cursillistas have had leadership roles on weekends, served as Rectors, attended National Cursillo Conventions, served as music leaders and had leadership roles on the Secretariat.This is a wonderful ministry at St. James House of Prayer and all are encouraged and supported when they make the choice to attend Cursillo.

KairosKairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is the parent organization of a body of ministries addressing the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women and children, their families and to those who work in the prison environment.

Kairos sprang from the Cursillo movement Our church members have served on teams, in a variety of roles including those of Rector and music director.

New Beginnings and HappeningsOver the years, several young people from St. James House of Prayer have attended New Beginnings, (grades 6-8) and Happenings (grades 9-12). Some have gone on to serve on teams in a variety of roles. Adults have participated as advisors.